“Countdown to Eternity” Begins at WSU Jan. 9

PULLMAN, Wash. – The Washington State University Museum of Art has announced the arrival of “Countdown to Eternity: Photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” by acclaimed photojournalist Benedict J. Fernandez. 

The exhibit will be on display Jan. 9 – Feb. 12 at the WSU Museum of Art.  A public reception is set for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16 in the Museum of Art gallery, followed by Fernandez’s lecture “Conscience: The Ultimate Weapon” at 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Auditorium.  

Internationally renowned photographer Fernandez began his photography career documenting protests against the Vietnam War. His photographs of protesters and Civil Rights leaders of the time appeared throughout the 1960s in major publications, including the New York Times. His photographs garnered him major accolades, culminating in his book “In Opposition: Images of American Dissent in the Sixties” (1968).  He is widely considered the premier documentary photographer of the Civil Rights Movement.

“Countdown to Eternity: Photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” includes more than 70 photographs and provides a stirring account of the events surrounding King throughout the year before his assassination. In addition, photographs of Julian Bond, Jesse Jackson, Robert Kennedy, Andrew Young, and other instrumental Civil Rights activists of the time, offer an exhibit with a unique blend of historic images.

The exhibit was funded by The Ford Foundation as a tribute to King. It was originally developed for presentation in areas of economic need within the United States, but to date, has been displayed most extensively in Europe.

Recipients of the Distinguished Service Awards will be announced at 6 p.m. during Fernandez’s reception. The awards ceremony will recognize individuals who exemplify King’s ideals.

The day will wrap up with Fernandez’s lecture at 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Auditorium. Fernandez will narrate “Conscience: The Ultimate Weapon,” a photo-documentary slideshow, followed by an open forum question-and-answer session. 

Throughout the day (Jan. 16) events will be held in honor of King. The Museum of Art looks at Martin Luther King Jr. Day not as a day off, but rather as a “day on,” said Chris Bruce, museum director. 

Partners for this exhibit and its programming include the Visual, Performing and Literary Arts Committee, Talmadge Anderson Heritage House, the Office of the Vice President for Equity and Diversity, Pullman Community Foundation, the African-American Students Center, Office of the Provost, ArtVision Exhibitions LLC., the Washington State Arts Commission, the College of Liberal Arts American Studies program, the College of Liberal Arts Department of History, Eugene Rosa, Ph.D., and the Friends of the Museum of Art.

For more information, visit the WSU Museum of Art Web Site at www.wsu.edu/artmuse.